Science
SCIENCE
COURSE SEQUENCE
3
credits required for graduation
| Grade
9 |
Grade
10 |
Grade
11 |
Grade
12 |
| 1
Credit |
1
Credit |
1
Credit |
1
Credit |
|
Foundations
of Life Science with Lab
Honors Foundations of Life Science
with Lab |
Foundations of Physical Science with Lab
Honors Foundations of Physical Science
with Lab |
Biology
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
Physics
Honors Physics
AP Physics I
Human Anatomy and Physiology |
Biology
Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
Physics
Honors Physics
AP Physics II
Environmental Science
Forensics
Human Anatomy and Physiology |
SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE WITH LAB (1
credit)
Foundations of Life Science with lab is designed to develop
the student’s scientific inquiry skills across life and
earth/physical sciences with a focus on preparing the student
for the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). The application
of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the
curriculum. The laboratory explores the concepts of conservation
of matter and energy as they relate to physical, chemical,
biological and geological systems. The student will be introduced
to hands-on laboratory investigations, which consist of a series
of projects designed to lead the student through independent
and/or team research and scientific exploration. Course content
reflects the Connecticut science framework.
HONORS FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE WITH LAB (1
credit)
The honors section is a more rigorous application of the
Foundations of Life Science with Lab, as previously described. Topics
are covered more in depth and include additional hands-on
laboratory work. Individual student research topics
in Life Science are emphasized in this course.
FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE WITH LAB (1
credit)
Foundations of Physical Science with Lab furthers the development
of the student’s scientific inquiry by integrating
the sciences, with a focus on preparing the student for the
Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). This course
builds on the concepts studied in Foundations of Life Sciences
with lab and incorporates in more detail the principles of
chemistry, environmental topics and physics. The application
of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the
curriculum. This course covers areas of chemical reactions,
energy transfers in life processes, and biochemistry. Students
will form hypotheses, design experiments, use technology,
analyze data and draw conclusions. Course content reflects
the Connecticut science framework.
HONORS FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE WITH LAB (1
credit)
The honors section is a more rigorous application of the
Foundations of Physical Science with Lab, as previously described. Topics
are covered more in depth and include additional hands-on
laboratory work. Individual student research topics
in Physical Science are emphasized in this course.
BIOLOGY (1 credit)*
This course will focus on biological concepts. Topics include
the scientific method of inquiry, as well as the following:
basic biochemistry; the study of cell structure and function;
cell physiology; cell reproduction and development; Mendelian
genetics; population genetics; ecology; and the classification,
structure and function of organisms. The application of
scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces the
course curriculum. A variety of laboratories provide the
student with opportunities to form hypotheses, design experiments,
use technology, analyze data and draw conclusions.
CHEMISTRY (1 credit) *
Building on knowledge developed in the previous integrated
science courses, students will be introduced to chemistry
topics such as: atomic structure, chemical bonding, energy
changes, stoichiometry, periodicity, properties of gasses,
solutions, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, and organic
and biochemistry. Students will investigate the properties,
composition and structure of matter and the laws that govern
the combination of elements and reaction of substances.
The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences
reinforces the curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge
of chemistry to various problem-solving activities with
the use of science-specific technologies and standard laboratory
tools.
HONORS CHEMISTRY (1
credit)*
Honors Chemistry is a laboratory and mathematically-oriented
science course. Basic classical concepts are emphasized in
this college preparatory course. Topics studied will include
measurement, atomic and molecular structure and theory, periodic
law, chemical bonding, formulas, equations and stoichiometry,
gases, liquids, solids and solutions, chemical reactions
(acid-base and red-ox), nuclear, and organic chemistry.
PHYSICS (1 credit)*
Using an applied approach, students will investigate Newton’s
laws, classical mechanics, universal gravitation, astronomy,
electricity and electrical forces and the electromagnetic
wave spectrum (EMS). The application of scientific concepts
to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum. Through participation
in laboratory experiences, students will develop an understanding
of connections between physics and the workings of simple
and complex technological devices.
HONORS PHYSICS (1 credit)*
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II
Through this honors physics course, students will gain an in-depth
knowledge and appreciation of the physical world, using both
the qualitative and quantitative study of the principles of
physics. The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences
reinforces the curriculum. Honors physics stresses the use
of mathematics to illuminate the physical situation and problem
solving. The prerequisite for taking this course is successful
completion of Algebra II or, upon permission of instructor,
concurrently taking Algebra II.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS I AND II (1
credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II
These Advanced Placement courses follow a two-year sequence
fulfilling the science credit requirements for graduation.
The course is offered only in Grades 11 and 12, with one credit
each year – two credits total. The prerequisite for taking
the course sequence includes successful completion of Algebra
II. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge and appreciation
of the physical world, using both the qualitative and quantitative
study of the principles of physics. The application of scientific
concepts to trade experiences reinforces the course curriculum.
Students will prepare for the AP Physics Assessment, stressing
the use of mathematics to illuminate the physical situation
and problem solving. Students may elect to take the AP exam
to qualify for college credit in May of their senior year.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (1 credit)
Environmental Science will train students in standard laboratory
operating procedures and sampling/analysis techniques in
the related areas of chemistry, biology and environmental
science. The application of scientific concepts to trade
experiences reinforces the curriculum. Training will also
take place in the use of scientific instrumentation, collecting
and handling samples in the field, and safety with regard
to state and federal Occupational, Health and Safety Administration
(OSHA) regulations as they apply to the workplace.
FORENSICS (1 credit)
This course is designed to challenge students with topics such
as fingerprinting; DNA analysis; blood typing and spattering;
trajectories (for ballistics as well as blood spattering);
comparative anatomy; chemical analysis of drugs, poisons,
and trace evidence; and, the dynamics of physics. Students
will learn about the careers involved with Forensic Science
and will play mock roles as experts in the field to solve
crimes. They will learn team work in solving the mock
crimes and have a chance to change their roles as the year
progresses. The students will be provided training
in the analysis of data and chemical/biological evidence.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (1 credit)
This course is an introduction to the structure and function
of the human body. It provides students with a solid
foundation in human anatomy and physiology. This course
includes a study of diseases, conditions, and an emphasis
on how various organ systems maintain homeostasis. The
study of human biology incorporate a variety of learning
activities such as problem-solving, hands-on-activities,
experiments, and projects to learn the content. The
use of core and advanced biology equipment includes microscopes,
human models, and prepared slides of the various body sectors.
*College
Career Pathways – Students
may qualify to earn college credit for a total of one science
course.
